World Health Crises: Polio

Basics

When WHO polio eradication campaign began in 1988, 330,000 cases a year were reported in 125 countries. In first half of 2004, 333 cases reported in 13 countries. But polio is endemic (meaning that the chain of transmission has not stopped within six to twelve months) still in Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Pakistan & especially Nigeria (the epicenter, with 257 cases in first half of 2004). As long as it exists anywhere, the virus can be transmitted anywhere.